On the Front Burner
Compassion First began 2004 in
the same fashion that 2003 ended. After receiving
repeated complaints from Fulton area residents
alleging animal abuse and shooting of animals at the
Fulton City pound, we presented evidence and testimony
to a judge, who agreed that probable cause warranted
an investigation and subsequent corrective action if
warranted.
On January 2, we met with the
Mayor and City Attorney of Fulton, MS, along with
their animal control personnel. Though the Mayor and
animal control personnel vigorously denied any
wrongdoing, it was agreed to by formal letter that
Compassion First would monitor their animal control
operations on a random basis to ensure complete
compliance with state statues. We have thus far
received no further complaints and continue our
follow-up procedures.
Before January had ended, Compassion First received
complaints of dead and starving horses in Union
County. We investigated the call immediately and found
two dead horses, and three living in total starvation.
We obtained fresh hay that evening and fed the three
remaining live horses. The following morning, with
pictures and testimony, Compassion First obtained a
court order and seized the three live horses. They are
now progressing well in rehabilitation under the daily
care of a veterinarian and other experts at a North
Mississippi ranch.
No charges have yet been
filed in the case
because the individual responsible for the condition
of these horses had many outstanding warrants and
multiple scheduled court appearances for other serious
crimes. The prosecutor thanked Compassion First on
behalf of the judge, not only for rescuing the horses,
but also for our willingness not to further burden the
court backlog by charging an individual who is quite
likely to be put away on existing charges. The rescue
of these horses is widely believed to be the first
court ordered animal seizure on record in Union
County.
Compassion First is firmly committed to our single
purpose: helping those who can't help themselves. We
are proud of what we've accomplished, and equally
proud of those who have shown confidence in our
mission by donating their own time, material, and
expertise. Dr. Marie Powell, Jon Powell, Dr. Laurie
Dilworth, Dr. Susan Adams, and Stephen and Pattie
Thompson have been particularly helpful. We salute
them and all the others who are helping us in the
tough fight.
When it comes to helping the
animals, we have no policy written in stone, no board
of directors, no political obligations, and few
geographical boundaries. This lean structure enables
fast and flexible action. The downside is that we have
no funding, and are existing fiscally solely from our
own pockets and donations. We need your help, and ask
you to make any donation you can afford, right now.
You can do it online by clicking
here.
